Joseph Margolin's tribute to Gil Hodges in the “Sports Opinion” column of your December 29th edition was the greatest personal testimonial to a ball player's character that I have ever read.

And I can attest to its authenticity because I saw Gil's superb performance on the field many times and was aware of the many deeds of good sportsmanship and fair play attributed to him. He was a gentleman of the highest caliber in every way.

Although I was a Yankee fan, being born and raised in the Bronx, Gil was my favorite player of all the other teams in both the American and National leagues, and ranked third in my admiration after my all-time Yankee idols, Joe gordon and Charley Keller.

Why the unique talents of this outstanding sportsman haven't earned him the recognition he so rightly deserves in the Hall of Fame is beyond comprehension.